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4 days ago
Experiencing Ancient Zen Culture at Kamakura's Kenchōji
Kamakura Wandering Guideto Japan Founded over 800 years ago, Kamakura served as a spiritual hub of Zen Buddhism and a center of samurai devotion. Kenchōji, the city's oldest and most prestigious Zen temple, invites visitors to experience its ancient architecture and enduring spiritual practices. A Temple at the Heart of a Historical Religious Capital Cradled by mountains on three sides and overlooking Sagami Bay, the compact city of Kamakura is home to a surprising number of shrines and temples: 123 in total. Of these, about one-third belong to the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism, which flourished under the Kamakura shogunate (1185–1333). The main gate of Kenchōji is designated a National Important Cultural Property, along with the main hall, lecture hall, and elaborately decorated karamon gate behind it. (© Harada Hiroshi) Zen Buddhism in Japan consists of three main schools: Rinzai, Sōtō, and Ōbaku. While Rinzai is the oldest, all three emphasize zazen (seated meditation) as a path to enlightenment. Under the Kamakura shogunate, five temples (gozan) were given special rank, with Kenchōji at the top, followed by Engakuji, Jufukuji, Jōchiji, and Jyōmyōji. All five gozan temples still stand today, but Kenchōji remains the most prominent. Established in 1253 as Japan's first dedicated Zen dojo (training center), it retains the spiritual and architectural traditions of its founding era. The row of temple buildings viewed from the elevated, far back area of Kenchōji's grounds. (© Harada Hiroshi) A visit to Kenchōji offers a vivid sense of Zen temple design, where the main structures are positioned in a straight line—a style inherited from Chan Buddhist temples in China. Giant Chinese juniper trees line the temple's approach. (© Harada Hiroshi) Ancient Chinese junipers—part of the cypress family and known for their resistance to cold—line the approach to the main hall. Revered in Chinese Chan for their vitality, they were brought here as saplings during the Southern Song Dynasty by Kenchōji's founder, Chinese monk Rankei Dōryū (Lanxi Daolong). Today, these towering trees, now over 760 years old and 7 meters around, are a living testament to the temple's history. On the right side of the approach stands the bonshō (temple bell), cast in 1255 and designated a national treasure. The bell has an ancient elegance in its form and is counted among the Three Famed Bells of Kamakura, alongside those at Engakuji (also a national treasure) and Jōrakuji (the oldest in the city). The thatched-roof belfry and its national treasure bell. (© Harada Hiroshi) The main hall, or butsuden, houses a statue of Jizō, the bodhisattva known for guiding souls in the underworld. This is an unusual choice for a Zen temple, where the principal image is typically Shakyamuni Buddha. The Jizō statue in the butsuden is around 5 meters tall, including the pedestal. (Note: The hall is currently closed for repairs through July 2027.) (© Harada Hiroshi) At the rear of the temple grounds lies the hōjō, once the abbot's quarters. The garden behind it is centered on a pond surrounded by a carefully maintained lawn—an ancient feature that predates the moss gardens popularized in the Edo period (1603–1868). The temple restored this historic lawn garden with the help of landscape experts. Kenchōji's garden, centered on a pond, is a nationally recognized landmark. The bridge in the photo has since been removed. (© Harada Hiroshi) Zen Training: More Than Just Meditation Perched atop a hillock in the temple's eastern precincts, the dojo is where monks continue to undergo rigorous training, practicing not only seated meditation but also disciplined eating. Their meals are strictly vegetarian—usually a single dish along with rice and soup, with only plant-based condiments. The nourishing tofu-and-vegetable kenchin-jiru soup uses stock made from shiitake mushrooms and kombu kelp. Kenchin-jiru is now a familiar dish throughout Japan, but it is believed to have originated at the temple, where it was known as kenchō-jiru. Daikon is another staple in the monks' simple meals. (© Harada Hiroshi) Meals always include takuan (pickled daikon). To ensure that no grain of rice is wasted, monks pour hot water into their rice bowls at the end of the meal, using the takuan to gather every last bit of rice. This ritual reflects the Zen reverence for all living things and the practice of reducing waste. Takuan is made from daikon donated to visiting monks each January by farmers in nearby Miura Peninsula. (© Harada Hiroshi) To preserve the sanctity of the meditation hall, visitors are usually prohibited from entering its approach. Exceptions are made each late spring when the tree peonies are in full bloom, however, giving visitors a rare chance to glimpse this sacred site. The path to the meditation hall opens to the public briefly in spring when the tree peonies are in bloom, allowing visitors a rare view of this usually private space. (© Harada Hiroshi) Kenchōji offers many ways to experience Zen Buddhism, but none is more important than zazen. During these seated meditation sessions—held every Friday and Saturday—even beginning participants can discover the calming, introspective power of Zen. With one's back straight and breath steady, zazen can ease daily worries and refresh the spirit. Zazen sessions are held from 3:30 pm each Friday and Saturday (arrive 15 minutes early). No reservations required; only the temple entry fee applies. Chair seating for those unable to sit on the tatami flooring is available upon request. (© Harada Hiroshi) (Originally published in Japanese. Banner photo: Temple buildings seen from near the entrance to Kenchōji. © Harada Hiroshi.)
4 days ago
Experiencing Ancient Zen Culture at Kamakura's Kenchō-ji
Kamakura Wandering Guideto Japan Founded over 800 years ago, Kamakura served as a spiritual hub of Zen Buddhism and a center of samurai devotion. Kenchō-ji, the city's oldest and most prestigious Zen temple, invites visitors to experience its ancient architecture and enduring spiritual practices. A Temple at the Heart of a Historical Religious Capital Cradled by mountains on three sides and overlooking Sagami Bay, the compact city of Kamakura is home to a surprising number of shrines and temples: 123 in total. Of these, about one-third belong to the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism, which flourished under the Kamakura shogunate (1185–1333). The main gate of Kenchō-ji is designated a National Important Cultural Property, along with the main hall, lecture hall, and elaborately decorated karamon gate behind it. (© Harada Hiroshi) Zen Buddhism in Japan consists of three main schools: Rinzai, Sōtō, and Ōbaku. While Rinzai is the oldest, all three emphasize zazen (seated meditation) as a path to enlightenment. Under the Kamakura shogunate, five temples (gozan) were given special rank, with Kenchō-ji at the top, followed by Engaku-ji, Jufuku-ji, Jōchi-ji, and Jyōmyō-ji. All five gozan temples still stand today, but Kenchō-ji remains the most prominent. Established in 1253 as Japan's first dedicated Zen dojo (training center), it retains the spiritual and architectural traditions of its founding era. The row of temple buildings viewed from the elevated, far back area of Kenchō-ji's grounds. (© Harada Hiroshi) A visit to Kenchō-ji offers a vivid sense of Zen temple design, where the main structures are positioned in a straight line—a style inherited from Chan Buddhist temples in China. Giant Chinese juniper trees line the temple's approach. (© Harada Hiroshi) Ancient Chinese junipers—part of the cypress family and known for their resistance to cold—line the approach to the main hall. Revered in Chinese Chan for their vitality, they were brought here as saplings during the Southern Song Dynasty by Kenchō-ji's founder, Chinese monk Rankei Dōryū (Lanxi Daolong). Today, these towering trees, now over 760 years old and 7 meters around, are a living testament to the temple's history. On the right side of the approach stands the bonshō (temple bell), cast in 1255 and designated a national treasure. The bell has an ancient elegance in its form and is counted among the Three Famed Bells of Kamakura, alongside those at Engaku-ji (also a national treasure) and Jōraku-ji (the oldest in the city). The thatched-roof belfry and its national treasure bell. (© Harada Hiroshi) The main hall, or butsuden, houses a statue of Jizō, the bodhisattva known for guiding souls in the underworld. This is an unusual choice for a Zen temple, where the principal image is typically Shakyamuni Buddha. The Jizō statue in the butsuden is around 5 meters tall, including the pedestal. (Note: The hall is currently closed for repairs through July 2027.) (© Harada Hiroshi) At the rear of the temple grounds lies the hōjō, once the abbot's quarters. The garden behind it is centered on a pond surrounded by a carefully maintained lawn—an ancient feature that predates the moss gardens popularized in the Edo period (1603–1868). The temple restored this historic lawn garden with the help of landscape experts. Kenchō-ji's garden, centered on a pond, is a nationally recognized landmark. The bridge in the photo has since been removed. (© Harada Hiroshi) Zen Training: More Than Just Meditation Perched atop a hillock in the temple's eastern precincts, the dojo is where monks continue to undergo rigorous training, practicing not only seated meditation but also disciplined eating. Their meals are strictly vegetarian—usually a single dish along with rice and soup, with only plant-based condiments. The nourishing tofu-and-vegetable kenchin-jiru soup uses stock made from shiitake mushrooms and kombu kelp. Kenchin-jiru is now a familiar dish throughout Japan, but it is believed to have originated at the temple, where it was known as kenchō-jiru. Daikon is another staple in the monks' simple meals. (© Harada Hiroshi) Meals always include takuan (pickled daikon). To ensure that no grain of rice is wasted, monks pour hot water into their rice bowls at the end of the meal, using the takuan to gather every last bit of rice. This ritual reflects the Zen reverence for all living things and the practice of reducing waste. Takuan is made from daikon donated to visiting monks each January by farmers in nearby Miura Peninsula. (© Harada Hiroshi) To preserve the sanctity of the meditation hall, visitors are usually prohibited from entering its approach. Exceptions are made each late spring when the tree peonies are in full bloom, however, giving visitors a rare chance to glimpse this sacred site. The path to the meditation hall opens to the public briefly in spring when the tree peonies are in bloom, allowing visitors a rare view of this usually private space. (© Harada Hiroshi) Kenchō-ji offers many ways to experience Zen Buddhism, but none is more important than zazen. During these seated meditation sessions—held every Friday and Saturday—even beginning participants can discover the calming, introspective power of Zen. With one's back straight and breath steady, zazen can ease daily worries and refresh the spirit. Zazen sessions are held from 3:30 pm each Friday and Saturday (arrive 15 minutes early). No reservations required; only the temple entry fee applies. Chair seating for those unable to sit on the tatami flooring is available upon request. (© Harada Hiroshi) (Originally published in Japanese. Banner photo: Temple buildings seen from near the entrance to Kenchō-ji. © Harada Hiroshi.)
Tokyo Weekender
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Tokyo Weekender
How To Experience a Japanese Tea Ceremony in Tokyo
In our fast-paced modern world, the ancient art of the Japanese tea ceremony offers something increasingly rare: a moment of pure mindfulness. Far more than simply drinking tea, this centuries-old practice invites participants into a sacred space where every gesture carries meaning and time itself seems to slow down. For travelers seeking an authentic cultural experience in Tokyo, participating in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony provides an unparalleled window into the heart of Japanese philosophy. List of Contents: The Soul of Japanese Tea Ceremony: Understanding Chado What To Expect During Your Japanese Tea Ceremony Experience Tea Ceremony Etiquette: How To Be a Respectful Guest Where To Experience Japanese Tea Ceremonies in Tokyo Choosing the Perfect Tea Ceremony Experience Related Posts The Soul of Japanese Tea Ceremony: Understanding Chado The traditional Japanese tea ceremony, known as sado , chado or chanoyu, is rooted in four fundamental principles called wa-kei-sei-jaku — harmony, respect, purity and tranquility. Wa (harmony) emphasizes the connection between all participants and the elements present. Kei (respect) manifests in every interaction, from the host's careful preparation to guests' mindful reception. Sei (purity) is both physical and spiritual, evident in ritualistic cleansing. Jaku (tranquility) emerges naturally when these principles are embodied. Central to the tea ceremony is ' ichigo ichie, ' a saying recognizing that each gathering is unique and unrepeatable. This philosophy encourages full presence, appreciating subtle details like filtered sunlight or seasonal sweets. The ceremony's connection to seasonal change reflects Japan's profound appreciation for nature's cycles, with everything from hanging scrolls to tea implements reflecting the current season. While rooted in 400-year-old traditions influenced by Zen Buddhism and refined by masters like Sen no Rikyu, the practice remains relevant today. Modern practitioners often describe it as meditation in motion, offering respite from digital overwhelm and urban stress. What To Expect During Your Japanese Tea Ceremony Experience Traditional tearooms, called chashitsu , are designed to foster tranquility through refined simplicity. As well as the tatami flooring, there are paper screens that filter natural light and a tokonoma alcove, which displays seasonal art. The intimate proportions encourage quiet contemplation, while the separate nijiriguchi entrance requires crawling through, symbolically leaving the outside world behind. The ceremony unfolds in choreographed stages. The host begins by purifying implements with a silk fukusa cloth. This is not for cleanliness, but as a gesture of respect. Traditional wagashi sweets are served first, designed to complement matcha's slight bitterness. The host then whisks powdered green tea with hot water using a bamboo chasen whisk, presenting the frothy, vibrant tea in handcrafted ceramic bowls chosen specifically for the occasion. Every gesture embodies grace and respect, refined over centuries. Movements are deliberately slow and mindful. When carrying the kensui water container, the host turns their back to guests — acknowledging the water is no longer pristine after use. Tea bowls are oriented, so their most beautiful aspect faces the guest. Tea Ceremony Etiquette: How To Be a Respectful Guest Remove shoes and strong fragrances before entering. Take time to appreciate the tokonoma display, showing respect for the host's preparation. Move quietly and deliberately, traditionally sitting in seiza (formal kneeling), though many modern venues accommodate guests who find this difficult. Accept sweets with both hands and a small bow. The tea bowl is presented with its decorated front facing you. Before drinking, rotate the bowl twice clockwise to avoid placing your lips on the decorated surface. Drink in several small sips, then rotate counterclockwise before returning it. Common Mistakes To Avoid Never rush — the ceremony's power lies in its deliberate pace. Don't touch implements unless invited, and gesture with an open hand rather than pointing. Photography policies vary, but many traditional settings discourage pictures during the ceremony. Where To Experience Japanese Tea Ceremonies in Tokyo Traditional Tea Houses in Historic Districts Kosoan (Meguro) : Kosoan is a delightful setting in the residential Jiyugaoka district, renowned for its traditional wooden architecture, tranquil Zen garden and timeless ambiance. Housed in a former family home, it offers a peaceful retreat that transports visitors to a Japan of yesteryear. Jidaiya (Asakusa): Jidaiya , situated in the heart of Asakusa — one of Tokyo's most historic districts — offers wheelchair-friendly tea ceremonies in English and extra options for kimono experiences. Houan (Kagurazaka): Nestled in the cobblestone streets of quaint Kagurazaka, Houan offers authentic tea ceremonies in a tranquil setting away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Garden Settings: Tea Ceremonies in Tokyo's Parks Shinjuku Gyoen: Rakuu Tei Teahouse : Features a convenient ticket machine for quick matcha and wagashi service. Step inside the established teahouse, remove your shoes and enjoy your tea ceremony experience on traditional tatami flooring. Hamarikyu Gardens: Nakajima-no-ochaya : This historic teahouse was once a retreat for Japan's elite in the 18th and 19th centuries, where military leaders would relax while enjoying sweeping views of the park's pond and flora. The venue continues this tradition of tranquil tea service, and visitors can catch the yearly tea ceremony with English instructions held every October. Happo-en: Muan Teahouse : For a luxurious tea ceremony experience in Tokyo, this upscale venue offers both formal ceremonies (with up to a two-month waiting list) and drop-in informal experiences beneath a canopy of lush greenery. Please note that Muan Teahouse is closed until the end of September 2025 for renovations. Cultural Centers and Tourist-Friendly Venues Cultural centers throughout Tokyo offer beginner-friendly experiences with English instruction, focusing on education and cultural exchange. Many central Tokyo hotels now provide matcha ceremony experiences as part of their cultural programming, offering convenient access with explanations tailored for international guests. Choosing the Perfect Tea Ceremony Experience Formal vs. Casual Ceremonies Formal ceremonies (' chaji ') can last several hours and include a full meal, providing comprehensive cultural understanding. Casual ceremonies (' chakai' ) focus on tea service and typically last between 60 and 90 minutes, ideal for travelers with limited time wanting an authentic Tokyo experience. What To Wear and How To Prepare Dress modestly and comfortably in dark, subdued colors. Avoid strong fragrances and elaborate jewelry. Some venues provide cushions, while others maintain traditional seiza seating throughout. The Japanese tea ceremony offers modern travelers a rare opportunity to experience profound cultural meditation. In Tokyo's bustling environment, these moments of traditional tranquility provide not just cultural education, but genuine respite for the soul, leaving participants with a deeper appreciation for mindfulness and the art of being truly present. Related Posts Zen and the Art of the Japanese Tea Ceremony The Best Matcha Powders: A Beginner's Guide to Green Tea Brands A Day in the Life of a Japanese Tea Ceremony Host
Time of India
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
The Nishpaksh Yogi Does Not Take Sides
We all have our own identities – I may be the prime minister of a country, an administrative officer, member of the armed forces, CEO of a corporation, actor, student, teacher, patriotic citizen. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The list is long, though one cannot say it is an infinite list as all earthly identities are circumscribed. Not so, for the Yogi. He is apart from and above all these identities. He is one who is on a journey of Self-discovery , rising above the mundane world and soaring beyond even the cosmos, perhaps. What is the dharm of a citizen ? As member of a democratic country, it is his dharm to cast his vote (or not) in elections, besides following norms laid down by govt and society, institutions, communities and families and conform to the laws of the land. Sometimes he could rebel against the system, and that too is part of his dharm as a citizen. A teacher's dharm is to provide students with holistic education; members of the armed forces swing into action when people and country are threatened or hurt by invaders and terrorists. The dharm of a prime minister is to protect and administer the country. The dharm of a yogi is very different. He has no truck with the material world and its dualities. A realised yogi cannot claim to voice his opinion as a citizen – that would be stepping out of his yogic domain. Yogis are beyond sankalp-vikalp, decisive thought and doubt, they are nishpaksh, that is, they are impartial, unbiased, fair and so they are neutral. As Ashtavakra says, 'I do not long for the dissolution of the universe. /Nor do I have any interest in its abidance,' ( Ashtavakra Gita 17.7). The yogi cannot get into the pros and cons of a war, for example, for he remains in peace, untouched by all the turmoil, abiding in a space above dualities. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The yogi has only one hat to wear – that of a sthitaprajna, one of samabuddhi, as Krishn says in the Gita: 'He who is of the same mind – to good-hearted, friends, enemies, the indifferent, the neutral, the hateful, relatives, the righteous and unrighteous – excels,' (Gita 6:9). The Yogi remains unruffled. Prince Ram in the Yog Vasisht says to Sage Vasisht, 'I do not long to live and I do not long to die.' He is neutral about life as well as about death. Even as there is duality all around us, there is a huge expanse of uncharted space that Krishn in the Gita describes as being free from opposites: 'He should be known as a perpetual renunciate who neither hates nor desires. For, free from pairs of opposites, he is easily set free from bondage,' (5.3). In Zen Buddhism , a dilemma is presented to an initiate and she is asked to resolve it. In the process of reasoning and finding an answer, it is gently revealed that apart from taking either of two extreme positions, there is a very vital position that is described simply as 'mu'. Attempts have been made to provide an explanation in words. Mu is the experience of cutting off the ego or reaching a no-ego state . This enables the mind to become empty, making it free from prejudices. Like the nishpaksh Yogi . Authored by: Narayani Ganesh Deepen your understanding of the Bhagavad Gita: Explore chapter 2 with Sri Gaur Prabhu's guidance
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
The Happiness Myth We're All Buying Into, According to One Expert
If you ask most people what they want out of life, the answer usually includes something like 'I just want to be happy.' But after nearly a century of studying what really makes life fulfilling, Dr. Robert Waldinger, psychiatrist and director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development, says we're aiming at the wrong target. Despite what social media, corporate culture, and hustle culture tell us, happiness isn't about achievements or metrics. More money, more followers, more accolades, these so-called 'badges of achievement,' don't add up to lasting satisfaction. During a recent panel at The New York Times Well Festival. Waldinger said this pursuit is misguided, and it may be keeping us from what truly matters. So if happiness doesn't come from external success, where does it come from? According to Waldinger—and nearly 80 years of research—the answer is simple, if not easy. During the panel, he explained that relationships and purpose are at the core of fulfillment. Whether it's with family, friends, romantic partners, or even colleagues, real happiness stems from connection. And not just casual contact, but meaningful engagement and checking in with people, showing up, listening, and caring. Waldinger says it's about building a 'bedrock of social well-being.' Through years of personal exploration and research, Dr. Waldinger came to a realization that echoes ancient wisdom: true fulfillment lies in being fully present and connected to something greater than oneself, a core teaching of Zen Buddhism. This understanding took on deeper meaning when, at 47, he found himself confronting the classic midlife question: 'Is this all there is?' Rather than sinking into despair, the happiness expert found clarity and direction through Zen. 'Zen practice brought me back to the truth of just this moment,' he shared. Around 47, Waldinger hit a wall many people know well. It was a questioning phase, where success didn't feel as satisfactory as it used to. In search of answers, he reached a turning point when he stopped running from life's basic truths and started facing them head-on. Waldinger found clarity in a Zen chant that became his personal mantra: 'I am of the nature to grow old. There is no way to escape growing old. I am of the nature to have ill health. There is no way to escape having ill health. I am of the nature to die. There is no way to escape death.' While that might sound grim at first, Waldinger found it freeing. 'Somebody is finally telling the truth,' he said. His takeaway was for people to stop sweating the small stuff and ask themselves a powerful question: 'Does this really matter?' Most of the time, it doesn't. During the panel, he shared a few simple steps for resetting your priorities when it comes to finding true meaning. Stop chasing happiness: Instead, invest in relationships and engage in what's meaningful to you. Try small, intentional acts of connection: It turns out a quick 10-minute call or even a text to someone you care about can go a long way. Research shows these simple moves help you stay connected and build what experts call a 'bedrock of social well-being.' Basically, the more you check in, the stronger your network, and your wellbeing. Explore mindfulness or meditation: These practices can help you connect with yourself, stay grounded, and appreciate the present moment. Don't ignore discomfort. Questioning your life's direction isn't a crisis, see it as an opportunity to find what is meaningful to you. Waldinger encourages asking yourself 'how would you like to spend your waking hours of the day?' As Waldinger sees it, the biggest myth is that happiness is a destination. According to him, it's not something you get by accumulating more; it's something that comes when you live with connection and purpose. 'You won't be happy all the time,' he says, 'but happiness is likely to find you more often.' So, the next time you feel like you're falling behind in the race for success, pause. Call a friend. Reflect on what truly matters. Because a life well lived might not be as quantifiable as we want it to be. Both research and human experience show it's built through moments of presence, purpose, and meaningful connections.
